Selectable coil array

ABSTRACT

An inductive wireless power system using an array of coils with the ability to dynamically select which coils are energized. The coil array can determine the position of and provide power to one or more portable electronic devices positioned on the charging surface. The coils in the array may be connected with series resonant capacitors so that regardless of the number of coils selected, the resonance point is generally maintained. The coil array can provide spatial freedom, decrease power delivered to parasitic loads, and increase power transfer efficiency to the portable electronic devices.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure relates to wireless power and wireless charging.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

An inductive power supply may be used to supply wireless power to poweror charge secondary devices. In some known inductive power supplies,secondary devices are powered or charged by placing them on a chargingsurface. Many inductive power supplies limit spatial freedom byrequiring specific placement and orientation of the remote device withrespect to the inductive power supply.

In some known inductive power supply systems, a single primary coil 102is embedded in a charging surface 104 of a charging device 106 and asingle secondary coil 108 is embedded in a secondary device 110. Forexample, in the prior art inductive power supply system shown in FIGS. 1and 2 one secondary coil 108 is embedded in the secondary device 110 andis aligned in close proximity to the primary coil 102 embedded in thecharging device 106. Power is provided from a mains input to thecharging device 106, sometimes referred to as a wireless power supply.Assuming the mains input provides AC power, the power can be rectifiedin a mains rectification circuit 202 into DC power and then can beadjusted in a DC/DC power supply 204. An inverter 206 can switches theDC power at a frequency controlled by the controller 208 in order togenerate an AC signal across the inductive tank circuit 210 to producean electromagnetic field. The tank circuit in most conventionalinductive power supplies includes a primary coil 102 and a primarycapacitor 213 The secondary device 110 includes a secondary coil 108 andan optional resonant capacitor 214 to receive the electromagneticenergy. The AC signal can be rectified into DC power in a rectificationcircuit 216. From there, the DC power can directly power the load 220,or where the load is a battery the power can be used to charge thebattery. A controller 218 may be utilized to control how the power isapplied to the load or to control a charging algorithm for charging abattery. In this type of system, power transfer efficiency is typicallyincreased when the coils are aligned center to center, and when thespacing between the primary and secondary coils is reduced. However,this requirement of close one-to-one alignment in order to effectivelycommunicate and transmit power restricts spatial freedom and limits thecharger to operation with one secondary device at a time. To enable asurface with wireless power, the user is typically provided withinformation about where the device needs to be located. This is usuallydone with a magnetic alignment feature, or with different mechanicalguides that force devices to be placed in a certain place, or withgraphical elements that guide the user to correctly place the device.Some users would like more freedom to move the secondary device aroundon the surface of the charging device.

Some solutions to this problem have been proposed. For example, U.S.patent application Ser. No. 12/652,077 to Baarman et al., filed on Jan.5, 2010 discloses an inductive power supply with a movable coil and isherein incorporated by reference in its entirety. The movable coil isone mechanical solution to achieve the desired spatial freedom over thesurface of the charger while maintaining close coil proximity. Themoving coil solution can increase spatial freedom but can introduce therisk of potential mechanical reliability problems.

Another proposed solution is to utilize a large primary coil so thatenergy can be provided over a greater area. This solution can beproblematic because a larger coil may create undesired stray magneticfields and it can be difficult to transfer power efficiently.

Yet another proposed solution is to provide an array of coils arrangedadjacently in a single layer. In this solution, a number of primarycoils are disposed in an array near the charging surface. When a deviceis placed on the charging surface that is greater in size than thedevice, energy is only transferred from that part of the planar chargingsurface that is directly beneath the device, and possibly immediatelyadjacent areas that are able to couple to the secondary coil. That is,in one configuration, all of the coils of the array of primary coils aredriven simultaneously to create magnetic flux that is substantiallyuniform over the charging surface so that the precise position andorientation of the electronic device on the charging surface is notcritical. In addition, parasitic loads, such as pieces of metal ornon-wirelessly powered devices, can absorb the magnetic field and lowerthe system efficiency.

Some solutions propose a multi-layer coil array in order to provide amore uniform magnetic field distribution. One problem with a singlelayer array of coils is that where there are gaps between the coils, themagnetic field is lower, which is sometimes referred to as a valley. Byhaving two or more layers of coils arranged such that the center of awinding pattern on one layer is placed on the gap between adjacentwinding patterns on the other layer, a more uniform field distributioncan be achieved. Energizing all those coils simultaneously can lead tohot zones and dead zones due to field construction and fielddeconstruction effects that occur from overlapping fields. In addition,parasitic loads, such as pieces of metal or non-wirelessly powereddevices, can absorb the magnetic field and lower the system efficiency.

Some array solutions attempt to circumvent having to turn on a largeamount of coils by providing magnetic attractors to specifically locatethe device on a charging surface so that power can be transferredutilizing a single coil. However, magnetic attractors add cost,complexity, and can lower efficiency of the power transfer system.Various ergonomic alignment solutions have also been proposed, but theseaids can disrupt the aesthetics of surfaces, add complexity to thedesign of the surface, and can affect the usability because alignmentstill may not be guaranteed.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a coil array system that includes anarray of coils that can be selectively energized to provide power to oneor more devices on a charging surface. Due to the selectable nature ofthe coil array, different combinations of coils can be energized tointelligently shift the location of the magnetic field on the chargingsurface.

In one embodiment, a coil array system is provided that includesoverlapping coils where different coils can be turned on or off. Thismakes it possible to provide power at any point on the surface, thusgiving spatial freedom across the surface, while giving the primarycontrol over which areas are provided power. This can decrease lossesdue to parasitic loads, as well as increase efficiency by providingbetter coupling between the primary and secondary coils.

In one embodiment, the coils are stacked and spread out over multiplelayers and the system has the capability of individually and selectivelyenergizing each coil in the coil array. The coil selection can be atleast partially based on the position of the secondary coil on thecharging surface. Depending on which and how many coils are energized,the location of the magnetic field can be shifted to a variety ofpositions on the charging surface. By determining where the secondarycoil is positioned on the charging surface, a controller can beprogrammed to selectively energize coils that ensure that the magneticfield is stronger where the secondary coil is positioned.

In another embodiment, each coil in the coil array is connected to aseparate series resonant capacitor. Each capacitor, in conjunction withthe coil it is connected to, forms a tank circuit with a particularresonant frequency. When multiple tank circuits are connected inparallel, the resonant frequency of the system is generally maintainedas each additional tank circuit is added to the system. This facilitatesefficient power transfer to the secondary coil independent of the numberof coils selected to be energized because wireless power transferefficiency is generally increased where the primary coil resonantfrequency and the secondary coil resonant frequency are similar.

In another embodiment, a method for detecting the location of asecondary coil on the charging surface of a coil array system is known.The method includes pinging a plurality of coils, measuring the responseto the ping of each coil, and comparing the measurements to determinethe position of the secondary coil with respect to the position of thecoil array.

These and other features of the invention will be more fully understoodand appreciated by reference to the description of the embodiments andthe drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a representative view of a prior art inductive power supplysystem.

FIG. 2 shows a circuit diagram of a prior art inductive power supply.

FIGS. 3A-C show the flux path of a single coil transmitter and amultiple coil transmitter with varying secondary alignments.

FIG. 4 shows a primary coil array that provides spatial freedom in asingle direction by using overlapping coils.

FIG. 5 shows one embodiment of a basic building block of a coil array.

FIGS. 6A-B show some wiring options for the basic building block of thearray.

FIG. 7 shows a three coil array in which each primary coil has its ownseries resonant capacitor.

FIGS. 8A-H show an arrangement of coils that provides six potentialzones that can be energized to provide power when selecting three coilsat a time.

FIG. 9A shows one embodiment of a circuit diagram for a seven coil,three layer, coil array.

FIG. 9B shows a table of switch states for energizing six zones in theseven coil, three layer, coil array.

FIGS. 10A-F shows an embodiment where combinations of one, two, or threecoils can be energized to provide power wirelessly to a secondarydevice.

FIG. 11 shows an arrangement of coils that provides seven potentialzones that can be energized to provide power when selecting three coilsat a time.

FIGS. 12A-G shows how the zones from FIG. 11 can be activated byenergizing three coils at a time.

FIG. 13 shows how the coils from FIG. 11 can be activated by energizingone, two, or three coils at a time.

FIGS. 14A-C shows some exemplary combinations of primary coils from FIG.11 that can be selected to provide spatial freedom to a secondarydevice.

FIG. 15 shows a single low power secondary device charging on a largecoil array.

FIG. 16 shows multiple low power secondary devices charging on oneembodiment of a large coil array.

FIG. 17 shows multiple low power secondary devices charging on anotherembodiment of a large coil array.

FIG. 18 shows a single medium to high power secondary device charging ona large array with multiple zones energized.

FIG. 19 shows a single medium to high power secondary device charging ona large array with a single zone energized using multiple primary coils.

FIG. 20 shows one embodiment of a wiring diagram for a coil array withmultiple three-coil building blocks.

FIG. 21 shows another embodiment of a wiring diagram for a coil arraywith multiple three-coil building blocks.

FIG. 22 shows an embodiment of a wiring diagram for a multiple coilarray where each coil can be individually selected and includes a seriesresonant capacitor.

FIG. 23 shows a flow chart of one embodiment of a process to detect aload and provide power.

FIG. 24 shows an expanded portion of the flow chart of FIG. 23 showingone embodiment of a process for determining which coils to energize.

FIG. 25 shows a flow chart of one embodiment of a process to detect aload and provide power for designs using parallel resonant circuits.

FIG. 26 shows a visual representation of one method for determining theposition of a secondary device on the charging surface.

FIG. 27 shows a visual representation of another method for determiningthe position of a secondary device on the charging surface.

FIG. 28 shows a circuit diagram of a coil array where each coil isindividually selectable.

DESCRIPTION OF THE CURRENT EMBODIMENT

A multi-layer coil array system in accordance with an embodiment of thepresent invention is shown in FIGS. 8A. Other multi-layer coil arraysystems in accordance with additional embodiments of the presentinvention are shown in FIG. 11 (line multi-layer coil array) and FIG. 15(rectangular multi-layer coil array). The multi-layer coil array systemprovides a charging surface where one or more remote devices can beplaced in order to receive wireless power. In each of the currentembodiments, the multi-layer coil array system includes an inductivepower supply, a multi-layer coil array, and a controller programmed toselectively energize one or more coils within the multi-layer coil arrayin order to transfer power wirelessly to a device placed on the chargingsurface.

FIG. 3A-C illustrates a cross sectional representation of an inductivepower system and shows the effects of field cancellation with secondarymisalignment. FIG. 3A illustrates how magnetic flux flows around coilstransferring power in a conventional inductive power system. FIG. 3Billustrated that when the secondary coil is misaligned in a conventionalsystem, flux from the primary coil can cancel the current on either halfof the secondary coil, inhibiting power transfer. FIG. 3C shows that byhaving multiple primary coils offset at a distance equal to a singlecoil radius, field cancellation can be avoided under some circumstances.

Perhaps as best shown in FIG. 4, by layering multiple coils and havingthe ability to select which coils to energize, a secondary device can begiven spatial freedom across a surface. In the depicted embodiment, eachcoil is successively layered on top of the next. In alternativeembodiments, the coils could have a different configuration, for examplethe coils could be spread across two staggered layers instead of each ona separate layer. As a remote device with a secondary coil is slidacross the surface, a different coil can be energized to ensure that thecoil to which the secondary coil is most closely aligned is the coilthat is energized. In the FIG. 4 embodiment, the coils are layered alonga single axis and provide spatial freedom in one direction. Inalternative embodiments, the coils could also be layered in other axesso as to provide spatial freedom in additional directions. FIG. 5 showsa three layer array where each coil is offset from one another by oneradius, effectively providing the spatial freedom of FIG. 4 in multipledirections.

Position information regarding the secondary device can be communicatedto or determined by the system in a variety of ways. For example, asensor could be used to sense the tank circuit current, mains inputcurrent, rectified mains input current in order to measure reflectedimpedance and discern position information. Other examples includemeasuring secondary side voltage, secondary side current, orcommunication depth, and then communicating the measurement to theinductive power supply. In the current embodiment a measure of voltageon the secondary is sent as data back to the primary so that theposition can be determined.

In one embodiment, the controller is programmed to have the inductivepower supply energize a coil for a short period of time and candetermine whether an object is present and how close the object islocated to the energized coil. By repeating this process with each coil,or a subset of coils, in the coil array, and comparing the relativeresults, the position of a secondary device on the charging surface canbe determined. This process may also include a verification step toconfirm that the detected object is a remote device desirous ofreceiving wireless power.

In one embodiment, when a coil is energized, the reflected impedancefrom the secondary load can be sensed using a sensor on the primaryside. For example, a current sensor in the primary tank circuit willshow that the current changes as a function of whether or not asecondary coil is present and the distance of the secondary coil fromthe primary coil. This process can be referred to as pinging. When thedata is collected from pinging multiple coils it can be utilized inconjunction with other data regarding the secondary device in order todetermine position information about the secondary coil. By way ofexample, in the seven coil array system if a secondary coil is placed inthe position shown in FIG. 10A, each coil L1-L7 in the array can bepinged and the responses to the ping can be stored in memory. Given theposition of the secondary device in FIG. 10A, the response to the pingfor coils L1 and L3 will be relatively similar and the response to theping for coils L4 and L6 will be relatively similar because thesecondary device in FIG. 10A is placed approximately equal distancebetween L1 and L3 and approximately equal distant from L4 and L6. Therecan be some differences in the ping response due to the coil layer, butthat can be accounted for in the process. The response to the ping forL5, L2, and L7 will be relatively less because the secondary device ispositioned farther away. In this simple scenario, the system candetermine that the secondary coil is placed equidistant between coils L1and L3 and equidistant between coils L4 and L6. Utilizing this positioninformation and cross-referencing the position information against theknown power zones that can be created, a particular power zone suitablefor that position can be chosen. In this particular situation, turningon coils L4 and L6 provides the zone of power at the most favourableposition.

By way of another example, for the position of the secondary coil shownin FIG. 10E, the ping response may be highest for coil L6, while theresponse to coils L1 and L3 are relatively similar. Utilizing thisinformation the system can recognize that the secondary coil is closelyaligned with the L6 primary coil and therefore the system can decide tojust activate the L6 coil alone.

The two previous examples show how the system works where there is somesymmetry in the ping responses between because the secondary device wasplaced equidistant between some of the coils. The system also works whenthe secondary device is not placed in a position where it wouldperfectly align with one of the zones that can be created. Utilizingtriangulation techniques and the relative ping responses of the coils,the system can determine which zone is best suited to provide power. Forexample, a secondary device placed in-between three primary coils maynot be coupled equally to each coil. By using a threshold value, theprimary may determine that each of the coils is close enough toefficiently provide power, as in FIG. 8C, or it may be determined thatonly two coils are needed, as in FIG. 10A.

In the current embodiment, pinging utilizes a current sensor on theprimary side. In alternative embodiments, the pinging response can berecorded utilizing any circuitry capable of measuring how much energywas received by the secondary coil. For example a voltage sensor on theprimary side, or a current or voltage sensor on the secondary side inconjunction with a communication path with the primary side, such as aIR, Bluetooth or any other communication technique may be utilized.

Other factors besides positioning can also be taken into account duringthis process. For example, if the remote device connected to thesecondary coil requires more power than two primary coils could provide,then additional primary coils may be utilized to increase the totalamount of power delivered to the load. Or, if there is a parasitic load,such as a piece of metal located on the charging surface, the controllermay identify the parasitic load and then choose to activate coilsfarther away from the parasitic load, but still able to provide power tothe secondary device. These are just two examples of other informationthat can be factored into the decision about which coils to activate inthe selectable coil array.

The system can utilize position information to determine which coils andhow many coils to energize in order to transfer power to the secondarydevice. By turning on different combination of coils, the position ofthe magnetic field can be shifted around the charging surface. Ingeneral, it is typically desirable to align a peak in the magnetic fieldwith the position of the secondary coil in the remote device.

In some embodiments, a predetermined number of coils can be energizeddepending on the position of the secondary device. In other embodiments,the number of coils to be energized can be dynamic and can changedepending on the position of the secondary device or on a variety ofother factors. In one embodiment of a coil array system, three coils canbe selected and energized simultaneously in parallel. The parallel coilsthen share an impedance matching network, which generates a resonantsystem, wherein the voltage across each coil is the same. As couplingchanges between the three coils, typically due to the position of thesecondary device shifting, the power transfer efficiency is reduced. Thepower transfer efficiency can be assisted by dynamically controllingwhich coils are energized based on the position of the secondary coil.For example, where a secondary coil is aligned directly over a singlecoil, power transfer should be performed utilizing that single, alignedcoiled, if possible. In this circumstance if power transfer is performedby energizing three coils in parallel, such as those depicted in FIG. 5,power transfer can be disrupted to the point where the system may nolonger function. Put another way, the efficiency may be reduced by fieldcancellation at that location, as well as power can be wasted in theother coils given their poor coupling to the secondary.

The coils can be wired in parallel or series, with or without a seriesresonant capacitor, and can be controlled by a single controller withmultiple outputs or by multiple controllers. For simplicity the wiringarrangement has not been shown in the drawings illustrating the variouscoil configurations. Instead, a number of separate circuit diagramsillustrate a number of the different coil array configurations. A singlebuilding block coil with three coils wired in series is shown in FIG. 6Aand a single building block coil wired in parallel is shown in FIG. 6B.No resonant capacitor is shown in these drawings. The capacitor may beincluded elsewhere in the inductive power supply or in some embodimentsmay not be included at all. FIG. 7 illustrates a building block coilwhere each coil includes a separate resonant capacitor.

The FIG. 20 circuit diagram depicts a multi-layer coil array systemwhere groups of three coils are connected in parallel with a singleresonant capacitor to a drive/control circuit. The FIG. 21 circuitdiagram depicts a multi-layer coil array system where groups of threecoils are connected in series with a single resonant capacitor to adrive/control circuit. In these embodiments, turning on more than onegrouping of coils can change the resonance point. The FIG. 22 circuitdiagram depicts a multi-layer coil array configuration where each coilis connected in series with a separate resonant capacitor to adrive/control circuit. Different embodiments of the system can utilizedifferent circuit configurations.

Another embodiment of a multi-layer coil array configuration isillustrated in FIG. 28. In this embodiment, the system includes a halfbridge driver, a current and voltage detection circuit, a nine coil,three-layer array, and a multiplex controller that can individuallyselect any combination of the nine coils to be included in the circuitutilizing switches SW1-SW9. In this embodiment, unlike the FIG. 6, FIG.7, FIG. 20, and FIG. 21 embodiments, the driver circuitry canindividually energize the coils. The ability to individually select anycombination of coils provides the ability to reduce dead zones relativeto the embodiments where groups of fixed number of coils are energized.Although the FIG. 28 embodiment is illustrated with a half bridgedriver, current and voltage detection circuitry, and a multiplexcontroller, other embodiment could include different versions of thesecomponents or could include different components altogether. Forexample, the circuit could include a full bridge driver or it couldinclude a microcontroller for controlling both the half bridge driverand the switches. The individually selectable multi-coil array can beconfigured to work with generally any inductive power supply circuit.

In FIGS. 20 and 21, each set of three coils can be switched in or out ofthe circuit by the drive/control circuitry. That is, the drive/controlcircuit can provide AC power to one or more sets of three coilssimultaneously. In FIG. 22, each individual coil can be switched in orout of the circuit by the drive/control circuitry individually. That is,the drive/control circuitry can provide power to the entire coil array,to a single coil within the ray, or simultaneously to any combination ofcoils in the array. The switches are not illustrated in FIGS. 20-22,however it should be understood that essentially any type of switchingelement or elements can be utilized to switch in and out the coils orgroups of coils. For example, field effect transistors could be utilizedas switches as shown in the FIG. 9A embodiment. In alternativeembodiments different types of switches can be utilized. Thedrive/control circuit can include a half bridge or a full-bridgeinverter and can be resonant or non-resonant.

The coil configurations in FIG. 7, FIG. 22, and FIG. 28, which have aseparate resonant capacitor for each coil provide a number ofadvantages. For example, having a series resonant capacitor for eachcoil 1) allows any number of coils to be selected while maintaining thesame resonance point, 2) allows each coil to be resonant at the samefrequency even though the inductance may change with each layer, 3)allows the current to balance to the coil that has the best couplingwith the secondary. In some embodiments, some coils are connected with aseries resonant capacitor and some coils are not.

Resonant frequency changes as a function of inductance and capacitance,so in embodiments where additional coils and therefore inductance areactivated then the resonant point changes. However, where a separateseries resonant capacitor is provided, activating additional inductorswill not change the resonant point, assuming the series resonantcapacitor is appropriate.

The inductance of each coil may be different depending on the distancebetween the coil and the shielding, or for other reasons. Put anotherway, the inductance of the top coils may be 7uH, and the bottom coilsmay be 9uH. In order to maintain the same resonance point for the coilsin both positions, the series resonant capacitors may be different.Without a series resonant capacitor it can be difficult and in somecases it may not be possible to maintain the resonant point.

In addition, the current will balance to the coil and capacitor thathave the best coupling with the secondary. In general, current balancinghas to do with the voltage across the best coupled coil increasingwithout increasing the voltage across other, less coupled coils.

Where each coil is individually selectable, it is possible for thesystem to include 1) faster device searching, 2) adjust the number ofcoils based off of power needs of the secondary, and 3) adjust thenumber of coils based off of device or coil geometry; and 4) increasedability to provide an inductive field over a more uniform surface.

Faster device searching can be achieved because the system is capable ofpinging an entire array of coils or large groups of coils, rather than afixed small number of coils at once. For example, having each coil orcombination of coils be selectable, allows a divide and conquer pingingmethod whereby an entire surface can be pinged to determine if a deviceis present and then the area of ping can be recursively reduced untilthe position of the device can be discerned.

In one embodiment, a multi-layer coil array can be created utilizing acoil building block. As shown in FIG. 5, multiple coils L1, L2, L3 canbe arranged in stacked layers and offset to form a coil building block.Sometimes the coils in the coil building block are referred to as spreadcoils and the coil building block is referred to as a spread coilbuilding block because each coil on a different layer is spread out fromthe coils on the other layers.

The coil building block illustrated in FIG. 5 is arranged in threestacked layers. The coils can be spaced to achieve overlap and at thesame time give the ability to overlap with other adjacent coils. In thecurrent embodiment, the position of each coil in the coil building blockis determined by the following formula: where OD=coil outside diameter.

A=0.5*OD

B=OD/(4*SIN(60))

C=OD/(2*SIN(60))

The dimensions A, B, and C are provided to aid the location of thecenter-points of the coils in a Cartesian coordinate system.

This formula provides geometric spacing for any given coil diameter inthe current embodiment. In alternative embodiments, the position of thecoils relative to each other may be determined by a different formula orby other criteria. Exemplary dimensions are provided for the relativedistances between the coils, of course these dimensions are provided forexample only. Arrays of non-uniform coil sizes and/or shapes may beemployed. They may use a different formula or set of formulas to locatethe coils in a coordinate system.

A single coil building block can form a multi-layer array or multiplebuilding blocks can be positioned adjacent to each other to form alarger array. Spatial freedom can be achieved in all directions using athree layer array with spiral coils.

The coil building block illustrated in FIG. 5 includes three stackedcoils. In alternative embodiments additional or fewer coils may be usedto form a coil building block. In the current embodiment, each of thethree coils in the building block is identical. In alternativeembodiments, the coils that make up a coil building block may vary ingeometry, dimension, number of winding turns, or in other ways. Althoughthe present invention is described within the context of coil buildingblocks to simplify the description of a larger multi-layer array ofcoils, it should be understood that the multi-layer arrays describedherein may be constructed by arranging individual coils or by arrangingcoil building blocks.

Multiple coil building blocks can be arranged to form a coil array. Forexample, a line coil array can be formed by placing the coil buildingblocks in a line as shown in FIG. 11. Another example is the rectangularcoil array illustrated in FIG. 15, which is formed by placing coilbuilding blocks in a rectangular pattern. The shape and size of thearray can vary depending on the desired application as a function of thenumber and arrangement of coil building blocks.

In the current embodiment, each coil is horizontally offset by oneradius length of the coil and arranged in a stacked configurationdirectly on top of one another. The coils are shown as generic donutshapes in the illustrations, which represent generally spiral coils.However, it should be understood that the coil geometry, number of turnsof the winding, wire diameter and essentially any other physicalproperty of the coil may vary depending on the application.

FIGS. 6A-B show two different possible circuit configurations for thecoils. FIG. 6A illustrates L1, L2, and L3 connected in series. FIG. 6Billustrates coils L1, L2, and L3 connected in parallel.

FIG. 7 shows another embodiment of a coil array building block whereeach coil includes a series resonant capacitor. In this embodiment, eachcoil is individually selectable. This allows any one, any two, or allthree coils to be energized simultaneously.

FIG. 8A illustrates one embodiment of a seven coil, three layer,selectable coil circuit. In this embodiment the individual coils areselected by the switches SW1 through SW12 shown in FIG. 9 in order toform an energized zone in the pattern of the basic three coil module.Six zones that can be selected by energizing three coils are illustratedin FIG. 8B. The coils may be energized in series or in parallel.

The six illustrated zones also represent various locations where asecondary coil could be positioned to receive wireless power. Further,the coils with the diagonally filled pattern represent which coilsshould be energized in order to appropriately provide power for asecondary device positioned in a particular zone. The secondary deviceis shown in a diamond fill pattern. A representative circuit diagram,which shows how an inductive power supply may connect to the variouscoils in the multi-layer seven coil array in the current embodiment isdepicted in FIG. 9A.

FIG. 9A provides a circuit diagram of the structure in one embodiment ofa seven coil, three layer, selectable coil circuit. The first layerincludes coils L1, L2, and L3. The second layer includes coil L4. Thethird layer includes coils L5, L6, and L7. The L1 coil is connected tothe SW1 switch and the SW2 switch. The L2 coil is connected to the SW3switch and the SW4 switch. The L3 coil is connected to the SW5 switchand the SW 6 switch. The L4 coil is connected to the SW2, SW4, SW6, SW7,SW9, and SW11 switches. The L5 coil is connected to the SW7 and SW8switches. The L6 coil is connected to the SW 10 switch. The L7 coil isconnected to the SW11 switch and the SW12 switch. One lead from theinductive power supply is connected to the SW1, SW3, and SW5 switchesand another lead from the inductive power supply is connected to theSW8, SW10, and SW12 switches. The switches in the current embodiment arefield effect transistors. In alternative embodiments different types ofswitches can be utilized. In the current embodiment, each coil isconnected to two switches, in alternative embodiments a single switchfor each coil may be utilized. The secondary device on the chargingsurface may or may not include a secondary resonant capacitor.

The states of the switches in order to energize appropriate coils tocreate the 6 zones of power shown in FIG. 8 are illustrated in FIG. 9B.As shown in FIG. 8C, zone 1 is active when coils L1, L4, and L6 areenergized, which can be accomplished by turning switches SW1, SW2, SW9,and SW10 on and turning the other switches off. As shown in FIG. 8D,zone 2 is active when coils L3, L4, and L6 are energized, which can beaccomplished by turning switches SW5, SW6, SW9, and SW10 on and turningthe other switches off. As shown in FIG. 8E, zone 3 is active when coilsL3, L4, and L7 are energized, which can be accomplished by turningswitches SW5, SW6, SW11, and SW12 on and turning the other switches off.As shown in FIG. 8F, zone 4 is active when coils L2, L4, and L7 areenergized, which can be accomplished by turning switches SW3, SW4, SW11,and SW12 on and turning the other switches off. As shown in FIG. 8G,zone 5 is active when coils L2, L4, and L5 are energized, which can beaccomplished by turning switches SW3, SW4, SW7, and SW8 on and turningthe other switches off. As shown in FIG. 8H, zone 6 is active when coilsL1, L4, and L5 are energized, which can be accomplished by turningswitches SW1, SW2, SW7, and SW8 on and turning the other switches off.

FIG. 10 illustrates an alternative embodiment where the coils areindividually selectable and each coil includes a series resonantcapacitor as shown in FIG. 22. In alternative embodiments, the coils maybe individually selectable, but not include a series resonant capacitor.In this embodiment the individual coils are selected by the switches inorder to form an energized zone created by powering one, two, or threecoils in parallel. Each of the original six zones can be created byenergizing the same sets of three coils as described above. In addition,any two adjacent coils can be energized simultaneously to createadditional zones. Three exemplary zones are illustrated as FIG. 10A,10B, and 10C. In FIG. 10A, coils L6 and L4 are energized. In FIG. 10B,coil L1 and L4 are energized. In FIG. 10C coils L1 and L6 are energized.In other embodiments, any two coils in the array may be energized tocreate a zone, not just any two adjacent coils as in the currentembodiment. Each individual coil may also be energized alone in thecurrent embodiment. For example, in FIG. 10D coil L4 is energized alone.In FIG. 10E coil L6 is energized alone. In FIG. 10F, coil L1 isenergized alone.

FIGS. 11-12 illustrate one embodiment of a twelve coil, three layer,selectable coil circuit. The arrangement of coils results in sevenpotential zones that can be energized to provide power. As shown in FIG.11, the seven zones that can be selected are represented by energizingthree coils at a time. The coils may be energized in series or inparallel.

FIGS. 12A-G illustrate the different groups of three primary coils thatcan be energized in order to create the seven different zones. In thisembodiment, the secondary device is provided with a single degree offreedom to slide along the line of zones.

FIG. 13 illustrates how additional zones can be created by energizingfewer than three coils at a time. Additional spatial freedom can beachieved by energizing any combination of one or two coils in additionto the zones created by energizing three coils. This also can providesome spatial freedom in additional directions as well. That is, with anarray of coils that may be selected in various numbers, increasedspatial freedom can be achieved by moving the center of the high fluxzones.

FIGS. 14A-C illustrate the increased spatial freedom that results fromthe ability to select one, two, or three coils. FIG. 14A illustrates howone coil alone can be activated to create a zone of higher magnetic fluxwhen the secondary device is aligned with a single coil. FIG. 14B and14C illustrate how two coils can be activated simultaneously to create azone of higher magnetic flux. FIG. 14B also illustrates that the zone ofpeak magnetic flux is produced outside the axes of the original sevenzones that can be created by activating three adjacent coils in the linemulti-layer coil array. FIGS. 14A and 14C illustrates how additionalzones can be created along the same axes as the original seven zones toprovide additional resolution so that a device has an opportunity toobtain better alignment by use of a zone that is not constructedutilizing three coils.

FIG. 15 shows a representational diagram of one embodiment of a singlelow power secondary device charging on a large array made up of 48 coilsin three layers (16 coils per layer). In this embodiment, the secondarydevice is powered by power supplied by one zone. The coils are arrangedin a basic rectangular patter with 48 coils with 16 coils per layer,spread across three layers. In alternative embodiments, the coil arraycould be any shape and any number of coils as long as the overlappingequilateral triangular spacing pattern is maintained. In otherembodiments, the equilateral triangular spacing pattern may be altered,for example where the coils are different shapes or sizes.

FIG. 15 shows how three coils can be energized to provide power to onesmall secondary device, represented by the dotted circle. Any of thetriangular zones shown could be activated in a similar manner byenergizing three coils in the same pattern around the desired zone. Thethree coils that are energized can be driven in series or parallel by asingle or multiple controllers using any of the coil circuitconfigurations shown in FIGS. 21-23. Specifically, the coil array can bewired with sets of three coils connected in parallel (FIG. 20), withsets of three coils connected in series (FIG. 21), or with individuallyselectable coils (FIG. 22). Multiple sets of coils in the FIGS. 20 and21 configurations can be activated simultaneously and any combination ofcoils can be activated in the FIG. 20 configuration.

FIG. 16 shows one embodiment of multiple low power secondary devicescharging on a large array of coils. In this embodiment, each secondarydevice is powered by one zone. The coils are arranged in a basicrectangular patter with 48 coils, with 16 coils per layer spread acrossthree layers. However, in alternative embodiments, the array could beany shape and number of coils as long as the overlapping equilateraltriangular spacing pattern is maintained. Just as with the coil arrayshown in FIG. 15, any of the coil array circuit configurations shown inFIGS. 21-23 can be implemented. FIG. 16 shows how six coils can beenergized to provide power to two small secondary devices, representedby the dotted circles. Any of the triangular zones shown could beactivated in a similar manner by energizing three coils per device inthe same pattern around the desired zones. Any three coils that areenergized can be driven in series or parallel by a single or multiplecontrollers.

FIG. 17 shows one embodiment of multiple low power secondary devicescharging on a large array of coils. In this embodiment, additional zonesare available because in addition to being able to activate three coilsat a time, other combinations of coils can be activated to createadditional zones. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, a zonecreated by a single coil is shown and a zone created by two coils beingactivated simultaneously is shown. The figure shows how coils can beenergized to provide power to three small secondary devices, representedby the dotted circles. The devices could be powered using one, two, orthree primary coils. In the current embodiment, the zones to beactivated are determined based on the position of the secondary coils.In alternative embodiments additional or different factors could beutilized to determine which zones to activate.

FIG. 18 shows one embodiment of a single medium to high power secondarydevice charging on a large array with multiple zones energized. Eachenergized zone adds to the power transferring to the secondary device.In this embodiment, the secondary device draws power supplied bymultiple zones. The coils are arranged in a basic rectangular patterwith 48 coils, with 16 coils per layer spread out across three layers.However, in alternative embodiments, the array could be any shape andnumber of coils. Here, the figure shows how nine coils can be energizedto provide power to one secondary device, represented by the dottedcircle. Any of the triangular zones shown could be activated in asimilar manner by energizing three coils per device in the same patternaround the desired zones. Any three coils that are energized can bedriven in series or parallel by a single or multiple controllers.

FIG. 19 shows how nine coils can be energized to provide power to onesecondary device, represented by the dotted circle. Any of thetriangular zones shown could be activated in a similar manner byenergizing three coils per device in the same pattern around the desiredzones. Any three coils that are energized can be driven in series orparallel by a single or multiple controllers. Utilizing the coil circuitconfiguration shown in FIG. 22, individual coils can be activated toprovide an appropriate zone for providing power to the secondary devicedepicted in FIG. 19. Here, the figure shows how seven coils can beenergized to provide power to one secondary devices, represented by thedotted circle. This is accomplished by powering the seven coils thatcreate flux within the diameter of the secondary coil. In this design,the secondary device only requires one coil. The number of primary coilsused can depend on the size and position of the secondary coil, as wellas the power required by the secondary device.

FIG. 23 shows a flow chart of one embodiment of a process to detect aload and provide power using an array of building block coils 400. Thesteps of the process include pinging individual building block coils todetermine presence of a secondary device 402. The pings can be initiatedon a periodic basis or as the result of some other event, such as a halleffect sensor. In response to detecting a secondary device 404,determining coil selection 406. One embodiment of a process fordetermining coil selection is described below in connection with FIG.24. Once coil selection is determined, the building block coils areenergized 408 until it is determined that the device has moved 410 orbeen removed 412. If the secondary device is removed from the chargingsurface, then the coil array can be powered off 414 and the system canrevert to pinging the building blocks. In alternative embodiments,different conditions may used to begin or end energizing the buildingblock coils.

FIG. 24 shows one embodiment of a process for determining coil selectionfrom FIG. 23 500. Each of the building block coils are energized 502 andit is determined whether or not the response is within range 504. Theresponse of each building block coil is measured 506, temporarily storedin memory 508, and the building block with the best response is selected510. Communication between the secondary and the primary is initiated512 and a determination is made of whether the selected coil or coilscan provide enough power 514. If sufficient power cannot be providedthen another coil is selected based on the next best response 516. Ifsufficient power can be provided then that building block is deemed thedetermined coil selection.

FIG. 25 shows another embodiment of a method for detecting a load andproviding power using an array of coils 600. The steps of the methodinclude determining whether the secondary device is present on thecharging surface 602. This can be done with a digital presence detector,by pinging one or more of the coils, or by any other presence detectionprocess.

In response to determining that a secondary device has been detected604, the process obtains power requirement information and coilinformation about the secondary device 606. In one embodiment, the coilarray system communicates with the secondary device to obtain theinformation. For example, the secondary device may be programmed totransmit the information in response to a digital ping. In alternativeembodiments, the coil array system may utilize a transceiver or othercommunication system to request the information from the secondarydevice. In some embodiments, the secondary device may transmit anidentification signal to the coil array system, and the coil arraysystem can look up the relevant information in a database based on theidentification. In yet another alternative embodiment, the someinformation may be detected without communicating the secondary device.For example, by pinging coils in the coil array and measuring theresponses, it may be possible to determine the coil geometry of thesecondary coil in the secondary device. The specific informationobtained can vary from application to application. In some embodiments,the power requirement information may include the amount of volts orwatts that the secondary device requires. Examples of coil informationthat can be obtained includes the shape, size, classification, andnumber of turns on the coil.

The process also determines the position of the secondary device. Thiscan be done utilizing any of a variety of different methods. In thecurrent embodiment, the position of the device can be determined bypinging the coils on the coil array, detecting changes in the primarycoils and analyzing the relative values of the changes in the primarycoils. Two specific embodiments of a method for determining the locationof a secondary device are describe with respect to FIG. 26 and FIG. 27.

FIG. 26 is helpful in describing one embodiment of a method of pinging aselectable coil array to locate the position of a secondary device. Inthe FIG. 26 embodiment, individual coils are pinged one at a time. Acurrent sensor can be utilized on the primary side to measure theresponse as each primary coil is pinged. The current in the primary coilwill be effected by the reflected impedance of the secondary coil andthe reflected impedance is a function of the distance between theprimary and secondary coil. In this way, the measured current for eachcoil that is pinged provides a relative distance measurement. Ingeneral, the closer the pinged coil is to the secondary coil, the higherthe current sense measurement. Accordingly, by analyzing the responsesto pinging the coils, the position of the secondary device can bedetermined. For example, where the current is the highest the positionof the secondary coil of the secondary device is known to be closest. Insome embodiments, a rough position may be all that is necessary. Inembodiments where a more accurate position measurement is desired,additional techniques can be utilized to determine the position withincreased resolution. For example, triangulation may be utilized todetermine the position utilizing additional data points. Or, in othercircumstances, the coil geometry information may be utilized. In someembodiments, just a single layer of coils is progressively pinged. Inalternative embodiments, multiple layers of coils are progressivelypinged. In addition, the data between layers may be modified tocompensate for the vertical distance between the layers so that pingsbetween coils in different layers can be compared more easily. In otherembodiments, the vertical distance between coils in different layersdoes not have an appreciable effect on the results of the ping and canbe ignored.

FIG. 27 is helpful in illustrating another embodiment of a method ofpinging a selectable coil array to locate the position of a secondarydevice. In the FIG. 27 embodiment, sets of coils are pingedsimultaneously to determine if there is a device present in that areaand then the area is divided into smaller areas, which are pinged todetermine if the device is present in that area. If a device is found,the coil array may be divided into multiple zones of surface coils andeach of those zones may be pinged individually to determine which zonethe device is located. This process may be repeated until theappropriate level of resolution is reached regarding the deviceposition. The accuracy of the position information may be furtherincreased by including coils from the other layers. FIG. 27 illustratesall of the surface coils of a coil array being activated simultaneously.This technique can be utilized for the threshold inquiry of whether asecondary device is present on the charging surface at all 602. In thecurrent embodiment 16 coils are energized. In one embodiment the 16coils could be split into two groups of eight coils. For example, thecoil array system can ping the eight coils located near the top of thecoil array and separately ping the eight coils located near the bottomof the coil array. Given the position of the secondary coil shown onFIG. 27, the result of the ping will reveal that the secondary device islocated closer to the bottom eight coils than the top eight coils. Thebottom eight coils can then be split into four coils near the left sideof the coil array and the four coils near the right side of the coilarray and each group of coils can be pinged separately. Again, given theposition of the secondary coil shown on FIG. 27, the pinging will revealthat the secondary coil is closer to the four coils near the left sideof the coil array. This process could be repeated two more timesutilizing the surface coils. Although the process was described above inconnection with the surface coils, this same technique could be appliedwhile simultaneously pinging coils on multiple layers or just adifferent layer. In addition, the divide and conquer approach can becombined with the progressive ping approach described in connection withFIG. 26. For example, once the system determines a general area wherethe secondary coil is located, it may be possible to individually ping anumber of coils near that area to determine the position.

The above two methods of pinging an array of coils are merely exemplary.Other methods for determining the location of the secondary coil on thecharging surface can be utilized. For example, the charging surfacecould include one or more sensors specifically for assisting indetermining the position of the secondary coil or the secondary deviceon the charging surface. Further, it should be understanding that insome circumstances, determining position may include determining pitch,yaw, and orientation. In the current embodiment, where spiral coils arebeing employed, position merely describes the x,y location of thesecondary device on the charging surface. In embodiments where theprimary or secondary coils have oblong or other shapes, it may bepossible to determine pitch, yaw, or orientation of the secondary coil.

The system can determine a coil configuration as a function of theposition information, power requirement information, and the coilinformation, as well as any other additional information. Once a coilconfiguration is determined, the coils for that specific configurationcan be selected and power can be provided to create a magnetic field atthe desired zone. In some embodiments, position information may be thesole factor for determining the coil configuration. In otherembodiments, power requirement information may change the minimum numberof coils that need to be energized in order to provide the requisitepower for the device. Further, the illustrated secondary coils of thecurrent embodiments are all spiral coils. Where the secondary coil has adifferent geometry, the coil array system could alter the zone of peakmagnetic field that is to be created to accommodate that geometry.

Power can be supplied to the secondary device until the secondary deviceis moved 612 or removed from the charging surface 614. If the device isremoved from the charging surface the coil array is powered off 616 andreturns to pinging 602.

There are a number of benefits that may be achieved by using one or moreembodiments of the selectable coil array system. For example, theselectable coil array system can be lower cost to manufacture and runthan other interoperable solutions. The selectable coil array system canenable a wide array of interoperable receivers. The selectable coilarray solution can help to assure interoperable communications. Theselectable coil array system can increase or maximize X/Y & Z axisfreedom. The selectable coil array system can provide a variable powersolution in a free position array. The selectable coil array can providea solution to drive series resonant systems. The selectable coil arraysystem can provide a solution to drive receivers without a seriesresonant capacitor. The selectable coil array system can assure maximumor increased efficiency for power transfer. The selectable coil arraysystem can enable smaller receivers. The selectable coil array systemcan enable manufacturers to have increased design flexibility.

The above description is that of current embodiments of the invention.Various alterations and changes can be made without departing from thespirit and broader aspects of the invention as defined in the appendedclaims, which are to be interpreted in accordance with the principles ofpatent law including the doctrine of equivalents. Any reference to claimelements in the singular, for example, using the articles “a,” “an,”“the” or “said,” is not to be construed as limiting the element to thesingular.

The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property orprivilege is claimed are defined as follows:
 1. A coil array systemcomprising: one or more driver circuits, each of said one or more drivercircuits for generating an AC signal; a plurality of coils arranged in aplurality of layers to form a selectable coil array associated with acharging surface for placing a secondary device, wherein said selectablecoil array includes a plurality of switches operable to selectivelyelectrically connect a subset of said plurality of coils to one of saidone or more driver circuits in order to generate a magnetic field insaid subset of said plurality of coils; wherein said selectable coilarray including said plurality of coils is operably coupled to said onedriver circuit of said one or more driver circuits such that said onedriver circuit is operable to provide said AC signal to each of saidplurality of coils, wherein said one driver circuit provides said ACsignal to said subset of said plurality of coils selectively connectedto said one driver circuit via said plurality of switches; wherein eachof said plurality of coils is electrically connected with a separateseries resonant capacitor, wherein a resonance point of said pluralityof coils is maintained independent of the number of coils selectivelyelectrically connected in parallel to said one driver circuit in saidcoil array system; a position detection circuit for obtaining positioninformation regarding a secondary coil of said secondary device placedon said charging surface; and a controller programmed to operate saidselectable coil array as a function of said position information inorder to position said magnetic field relative to said position of saidsecondary device on said charging surface, wherein the number of coilsselectively electrically connected to said one driver circuit in saidselectable coil array depends at least in part on said secondary deviceposition information.
 2. The coil array system of claim 1 wherein theplurality of coils are overlapping, and wherein the plurality ofoverlapping coils are successively layered one on top of the next andthe plurality of coils are layered along a single axis to providespatial freedom in one direction.
 3. The coil array system of claim 1wherein the position detection circuit includes at least one of saidcontroller, a primary current detector, primary voltage detector, inputcurrent detector, input voltage detector, secondary current detector,secondary voltage detector, primary and secondary communication system,or any combination thereof.
 4. The coil array system of claim 1 whereinthe number of coils selectively electrically connected to the one drivercircuit in said coil array is a function of the power requirements ofsaid secondary device.
 5. The coil array system of claim 1 wherein saidcontroller is programmed to obtain said position information of saidsecondary device by pinging a plurality of said coils, measuring aresponse to said ping of each of said pinged coils, and comparing saidmeasurements to determine said position information of said secondarycoil of said secondary device with respect to said position of saidcoils in said coil array.
 6. The coil array system of claim 1 whereinsaid controller is programmed to obtain said position information ofsaid secondary device by pinging a plurality of said coils, receivingposition information from said secondary device for each pinged coil,and comparing said position information to determine said position ofsaid secondary coil of said secondary device with respect to saidposition of said pinged coils in said array.
 7. The coil array system ofclaim 1 wherein said controller is programmed to operate said selectablecoil array as a function of said position information in order toposition said peak of said magnetic field relative to said position ofsaid secondary device on said charging surface.
 8. A selectable coilarray comprising: one or more driver circuits, each of said one or moredriver circuits is configured to generate an AC signal; a plurality ofcoils arranged in a plurality of layers to form a selectable coil arrayassociated with a charging surface for placing a secondary device,wherein each of said plurality of coils is electrically connected inseries with a separate resonant capacitor, wherein said selectable coilarray includes a plurality of switches operable to selectivelyelectrically connect a subset of said plurality of coils in parallel toone of said one or more driver circuits in order to generate a magneticfield in said subset of said plurality of coils; wherein said selectablecoil array including said plurality of coils is operably coupled to saidone driver circuit of said one or more driver circuits such that saidone driver circuit is operable to provide said AC signal to each of saidplurality of coils, wherein said one driver circuit provides said ACsignal to said subset of said plurality of coils selectivelyelectrically connected to said one driver circuit via said plurality ofswitches; and wherein a resonance point of said plurality of coils ismaintained independent of the number of coils electrically connected inparallel in said selectable coil array.
 9. The coil array of claim 8wherein one side of said selectable coil array is shielded.
 10. The coilarray of claim 9 wherein said value of each of said series resonantcapacitor is selected as a function of the distance between the coil andsaid shielding in order to maintain the same resonant point for each ofsaid coils in said array.
 11. The coil array of claim 8 wherein thenumber of coils selectively electrically connected to the AC input insaid coil array is a function of the power requirements of a secondarydevice to be powered or charged.
 12. The coil array of claim 8 whereineach of said plurality of coils are physically similar and the center ofeach coil is located one radius from the center of each other coil inthe array.
 13. A method for wirelessly powering a secondary device on acharging surface of a selectable coil array, the selectable coil arrayincluding a plurality of coils, the method comprising: determiningwhether a secondary device is present; obtaining power requirementinformation about the secondary device; obtaining coil information aboutthe secondary coil of the secondary device; determining the position ofthe secondary device on said charging surface; determining a subset ofone or more coils to select of the selectable coil array to providepower to the secondary coil of the secondary device as a function of atleast said power requirement information, said coil information, andsaid position of said secondary coil on said charging surface;energizing the selected subset of coils of the selectable coil arraywith an AC signal from one driver circuit of at least one driver circuitto provide wireless power to said secondary coil of said secondarydevice, wherein each of said one or more coils is electrically connectedwith a separate series resonant capacitor, wherein the selectable coilarray including the plurality of coils is operably coupled to the onedriver circuit of the at least one driver circuit such that the onedriver circuit is operable to provide the AC signal to each of theplurality of coils; wherein a resonance point of said one or more coilsis maintained independent of the number of coils selectivelyelectrically connected in parallel in said selectable coil array. 14.The method of claim 13 wherein said determining the position of thesecondary device includes: pinging a plurality of coils in theselectable coil array; obtaining position information as a function ofsaid pinging; analyzing the position information to determine theposition of the secondary coil of the secondary device with respect tothe position of the pinged coils in the array.
 15. The method of claim13 wherein said determining the position of the secondary deviceincludes: individually pinging a plurality of coils in the coil array;obtaining a measurement of the power received in the secondary coil ofthe secondary device in response to each individual ping, wherein saidmeasurement varies based on the distance between the pinged coil in thearray and the secondary; analyzing the measurements using triangulationto determine the position of the secondary coil of the secondary device.16. The method of claim 13 wherein said determining the position of thesecondary device includes: simultaneously pinging a plurality of coilsassociated with an area of the coil array; in response to determiningthat the secondary coil of the secondary device is within range of thearea, dividing the plurality of coils associated with an area of thecoil array into a plurality of areas each associated with one or morecoils in the array; individually pinging the coils associated with eachof the plurality of areas to determine if the device is present in thatarea.
 17. The method of claim 13 wherein the power requirementinformation and the coil information is included within a deviceclassification.
 18. The method of claim 13 wherein said obtainingposition information as a function of pinging includes detecting changesin reflected impedance in the coil array indicative of the amount ofpower received by the secondary coil or receiving position informationtransmitted by the secondary device.
 19. The method of claim 13 whereinsaid determining a subset of coils to select of the selectable coilarray to provide power to the secondary coil of the secondary device asa function of the position of the secondary coil of the secondary deviceon the charging surface includes selecting the subset of coils of theselectable coil array to generate a peak magnetic field at the locationof the secondary coil of the secondary device.
 20. The method of claim13 including determining whether a parasitic load is present on thecharging surface and determining the subset of coils to select of theselectable coil array to provide power to the secondary coil of thesecondary device as a function of said parasitic load.
 21. The coilarray system of claim 2 wherein the plurality of overlapping coils allhave the same dimensions.
 22. The coil array system of claim 21 whereinat least two of the plurality of overlapping coils have a differentnumber of winding turns.
 23. The selectable coil array of claim 8wherein the plurality of overlapping coils all have the same dimensions.24. The selectable coil array of claim 23 wherein at least two of theplurality of overlapping coils have a different number of winding turns.25. The selectable coil array of claim 8 wherein said plurality of coilsare overlapping, and wherein said plurality of overlapping coils aresuccessively layered one on top of the next and said plurality of coilsare layered along a single axis to provide spatial freedom.